As prices of goods keep rising in Italy, U.S. personnel see dollar’s value drop

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As prices of goods keep rising in Italy, U.S. personnel see dollar’s value drop
By Sandra Jontz, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Monday, February 25, 2008

The spanking dealt by the increased costs of goods and services in town — along with the weak U.S. dollar — has hit U.S. military members in Italy in the wallet.

A 30-euro meal at the local restaurant is no longer all that reasonable, said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Arnold.

“It’s not $30 or $33 anymore. That same meal now costs like $45,” said Arnold, 33. “Lately I’ve seen an increase in costs, at the store, getting a pizza or even getting a coffee.”

Fuel costs at the Italian gas pumps this week reached a high of 1.40 euros per liter — equivalent to $7.83 a gallon.

Luckily for servicemembers, the at-the-pump fuel cost is much cheaper for U.S. and NATO personnel serving in Italy because of a long-standing, tax-free benefit brokered between the U.S. and Italian governments. Members buy coupons at base retail outlets, which for February worked out to $3.83 a gallon for unleaded fuel.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=52799